Australian policymakers are mulling over age verification laws for social media to keep kiddos safe online. The government has put $6.5 million towards trialling the scheme, and the industry reckons the tech is ready and proven, but there are big questions over how age verification would work and how easily it can be dodged. Around the world, age verification laws have already been passed in the UK, France, Germany, Canada, and 11 US states, with mixed results. Asked about it yesterday, PM Albanese said it’s important to pursue, citing the devastating mental health impact of social media on young people. “Every parent is concerned about the impact of social media. I think it’s the #1 topic on the sidelines of football, netball and school sports that’ll be conducted on any weekend in any part of Australia,” he said. 

Which is a good segue to plug our Squiz Kids Newshounds program. Aimed at turning the next generation into critical consumers of the information they see online, we’re proud to be part of the effort to counter the effects of mis and disinformation.